4/9/2026
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Davin Powell, the South Carolina state command sergeant major, congratulates Staff Sgt. Carson Hayslip and 2nd Lt. Josh Hawthorne for earning the Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Infantryman Badge at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, April 3, 2026. The event began with 257 Soldiers following two weeks of preparation and training and concluded with 105 Soldiers earning an E3B badge after completing five days of physically and mentally demanding tasks. The E3B badges recognize proficiency in infantry and Soldier skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)

4/9/2026
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Josh Hawthorne, assigned to Company C, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, is pinned with the Expert Infantryman Badge by his brother at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, April 3, 2026. The event began with 257 Soldiers following two weeks of preparation and training and concluded with 105 Soldiers earning an Expert Infantryman Badge after completing five days of physically and mentally demanding tasks. The Expert Infantryman Badge recognizes proficiency in infantry skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)

4/9/2026
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Carson Hayslip, assigned to Detachment 4, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and 2nd Lt. Josh Hawthorne, assigned to Company C, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, complete Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge testing (E3B) hosted by the 165th Infantry Brigade at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, April 3, 2026. The event began with 257 Soldiers following two weeks of preparation and training and concluded with 105 Soldiers earning an E3B badge after completing five days of physically and mentally demanding tasks. The E3B badges represent technical and tactical proficiency in infantry, medical and Soldier skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)

4/6/2026
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed April as “Month of the Military Child” during a proclamation reading at the State House, Tuesday, March 31.

4/6/2026
U.S. Army Spc. Darrion Rackley, an information technology specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery, saved the life of an unresponsive individual by administering Narcan and performing CPR during a patrol in Washington, D.C., while supporting the Joint Task Force–District of Columbia “D.C. Safe and Beautiful” mission. Five days later, Rackley responded to another overdose involving the same individual and again provided lifesaving aid.

4/3/2026
In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, Staff Sgt. Weaver welcomes back Nicole Davis, the Education Services Specialist for the South Carolina Army National Guard. Nicole discusses important updates regarding education benefits, specifically focusing on the recent changes to Army Regulations for Education (AR 621-5), effective March 19, 2026. Key points include the requirement for command approval for soldiers seeking federal tuition assistance or credentialing assistance, and the importance of requesting funding well in advance—at least 60 days prior to class start dates. Nicole emphasizes the need for timely submissions to ensure funding is secured, outlining the approval timeline for supervisors. Tune in for essential information that could impact your educational opportunities! The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:56 - What changes have been made to education benefits? 00:01:46 - What is the deadline for Supervisor or Commander approval? 00:03:53 - How early can a Soldier apply for federal tuition assistance? 00:04:05 - How early can Soldiers apply for credentialing assistance? 00:05:04 - What changes have been made regarding unsuccessful grades? 00:06:53 - Can I appeal a suspension? 00:08:06 - What if I had unsuccessful grades prior to the start of the new regulations? 00:09:21 - Who is eligible to use credentialing assistance? 00:11:25 - How do I get started with federal tuition assistance? 00:12:30 - Do commissioned officers incur a service obligation if they use federal tuition assistance? 00:13:36 - What is the amount of funding that I am able to use? 00:14:45 - If I have a bachelors degree but have not used TA can I use it to get a second bachelors degree? 00:15:25 - Can federal tuition assistance be used for a doctorate degree? 00:15:49 - Why would I be recouped if I passed my class with a C? 00:16:09 - Why doesn’t my ArmyIgnited GPA match my school GPA? 00:18:25 - Why can’t I find my term dates when trying to apply for FTA? 00:19:15 - ArmyIgnited says requests are missing grades, how do I update my grades? 00:21:33 - Can I use FTA with other financial aid? Resources: Mrs. Nicole Davis - 803-299-5318, nicole.l.davis56.civ@army.mil website: https://www.scguard.ng.mil/Resources/Education-Office/

4/3/2026
In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts sit down with Lisa Mustard, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the psychological health program manager for the South Carolina Military Department, to talk about the challenges and emotional impact of deployment on military families. From managing stress and anxiety to navigating parenting and maintaining emotional well-being, this episode is filled with practical coping tools, expert insight and real-life experiences. If you or your family are facing the realities of deployment, this conversation offers support, understanding and resources to help you through it. This is part one of “Holding It Together at Home” so make sure you come back for part two where they continue the conversation. 00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Episode Topic: Coping with Deployment Stress and Anxiety 03:05 - Personal Experiences with Deployment 03:43 - Introducing Expert Guest: Lisa Mustard 04:52 - Understanding Deployment Stress 07:44 - Children's Reactions to Deployment 08:24 - Differences in Coping: Kids vs. Spouses vs. Parents 09:07 - Signs of Stress in Family Members 10:11 - Holding it Together: The Importance of Support Systems 11:14 - Different Coping Mechanisms for Spouses 17:46 - Long-Term Support for Military Families 22:09 - Signs of Serious Stress in Adults 23:01 - Signs of Serious Stress in Children 25:21 - Communicating with Children About Deployment 27:44 - Coping and Grounding Strategies 28:46 - Importance of Community Support 31:09 - Calming Techniques: Deep Breathing and Grounding 33:44 - Self-Care During Deployment 35:09 - Maintaining Routines and Schedules 37:06 - Adapting to the New Normal 39:06 - Importance of Self-Care for Parents 41:06 - Maintaining Connection with Deployed Partner 44:13 - Balancing Communication and Emotional Support 45:37 - Preview of Next Episode: Supporting Kids and Parents Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com Lisa Mustard: 803-409-9965, Lisa.Mustard@scmd.sc.gov South Carolina Army National Guard Behavioral Health Care Line - 866-345-8400 Military OneSource - www.militaryonesource.mil 24-HOUR NATIONAL CRISIS LIFELINE - Available for civilians and service members. 1-800-273-8255; Service Members press option #1. You may also TEXT 838255 to the Veterans Crisis Line or click https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/ to open up a chat conversation. Operation Purple: https://www.militaryfamily.org/state-of-the-military-family-programs/operation-purple/ Military spouse advocacy network: https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/ Bloom Military Teen program: https://www.bloommilitaryteens.org/ Blue Star Mothers of America: https://www.bluestarmothers.org/ Defining Daily Victories During a Military Deployment: Navigating the Holidays - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6GukafBcg Handling Travel During Deployment of Your Service Member - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62jataTay1g South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG

3/25/2026
In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts sit down with Matalyn Bulwinkle from the South Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Program to talk about all things summer. From overnight camps and teen leadership retreats to scholarships, grants, and free tutoring resources, this episode is packed with practical tools to help military families plan ahead and make summer both meaningful and manageable. If you’re wondering how to fill those long summer weeks while balancing Guard life, this episode is for you. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Introducing Madeline Bullwinkle 03:30 Why summer planning is different for Guard families 05:30 Overview of SCNG Child & Youth Program 14:00 Month of the Military Child (April events) 16:00 Soldier for a Day event at McCrady 17:30 Grants & financial assistance for summer activities 19:30 Scholarships for military children 21:00 Local resources: YMCA, Boys & Girls Club 22:30 Virtual resources (Tutor.com, United Through Reading) 24:00 Advice for shy kids considering camp 25:30 Listener letter: Local day trips & creative summer ideas 26:30 Where to find SCNG Child & Youth resources & closing Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com Child & Youth Programs: Facebook/Instagram - South Carolina and Youth Program Hashtag: #SCGCYP Website: www.arngcys.com Grants & Financial Assistance: Our Military Kids - https://www.ourmilitarykids.org United Heroes League - https://unitedheroesleague.org Operation Homefront - https://operationhomefront.org Fisher House Scholarships https://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/scholarship-programs/ Youth & Community Programs: Military Child Education Coalition - https://www.militarychild.org Boys & Girls Club of America - https://www.bgca.org Local YMCA Virtual & Academic Support: Tutor.com - https://www.tutor.com/military United Through Reading - https://unitedthroughreading.org Defining Daily Victories During a Military Deployment: Navigating the Holidays - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6GukafBcg Handling Travel During Deployment of Your Service Member - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62jataTay1g South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG

3/10/2026
In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian Podcast, Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver sits down with 1st Sergeant Fidel Byrd and Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Dantzler from the South Carolina National Guard Counterdrug Task Force to break down what the program is, how it supports local law enforcement, and how prevention plays a major role in reducing substance misuse across the state. From free training opportunities and analyst support to youth outreach and community partnerships, this conversation highlights how the Guard is making an impact right here at home. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.

3/10/2026
In this episode of Family Guidons, Michelle, Kathy, and Charlotte talk about one of the hardest parts of military life: the long, stretching days of deployment. Through heartfelt listener emails and personal stories, they share practical and emotional ways to get through the endless weeks and months — from building your village and creating new traditions to breaking time into smaller milestones and finding purpose in the waiting. If you’ve ever felt like time slows to a crawl during deployment, this conversation is for you. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Listener email from a military child about the weight of waiting 04:30 How deployment changes your perception of time 07:00 Empty nest deployment during COVID 09:30 Newlywed deployment + early uncertainty 12:00 Handling milestones and hard weekends alone 14:30 What helps when the days feel endless 17:00 Building your village + accepting social invitations 19:30 Listener email: cleaning, distraction, nighttime loneliness 22:00 Productive projects to move forward (painting, organizing, home goals) 24:30 Creative coping (home projects, small improvements, purpose-driven tasks) 26:30 Staying connected: texting, video calls, Marco Polo app 29:00 Supporting the deployed service member emotionally 31:00 Planning ahead for birthdays and holidays 33:00 Countdown within a countdown + celebrating small wins 34:30 Listener email from active duty member on health & wellness 36:00 Closing encouragement + final thoughts Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com Defining Daily Victories During a Military Deployment: Navigating the Holidays - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6GukafBcg Handling Travel During Deployment of Your Service Member - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62jataTay1g Operation Gratitude: https://www.operationgratitude.com/ Harper’s Homefront Heroes: https://theplanbylaurentruslow.com/pages/360-degree-plan-deep-dive South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG

3/4/2026
Georgia Guardsmen assisted U.S. Marshals in securing a perimeter for the purpose of apprehending a suspect during DC Safe and Beautiful Mission.

3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers of the 1222nd Combat Engineer Company – Infantry (CEC-I), 178th Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, fast approached the conclusion of their two weeks of annual training, which took place in Georgia and South Carolina and began on Feb. 21. The training refined their combat engineering skills and directly impacted the training of future Soldiers at Fort Jackson.

2/23/2026
In this episode of Family Guidons, hosts Michelle Matheny, Charlotte Stilwell and Kathy Bridgers tackle one of the biggest challenges military families face today: staying connected online while also staying safe. In a world of fast news, viral posts, and constant access, they share practical tips for OPSEC, protecting your family’s privacy, setting healthy boundaries, and keeping your peace online—especially during deployments. Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com ready.gov Defining Daily Victories During a Military Deployment: Navigating the Holidays - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6GukafBcg Handling Travel During Deployment of Your Service Member - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62jataTay1g 00:00 intro 03:10 Social media as a lifeline during deployments 04:30 How military connection used to look (before social media) 06:15 Staying connected across moves and duty stations 09:40 Personal story: deployment stress + quick updates bringing peace 14:10 How online visibility impacts family safety and peace 15:40 OPSEC basics: what not to post (dates, locations, identifiers) 19:10 Being careful with what you share verbally, too 20:30 Talking to family members about OPSEC boundaries 22:10 Social media safety tips: geotagging, privacy, followers 25:40 Teaching kids online safety and posting boundaries 27:10 Listener email: preparedness, awareness, and family protection 30:10 Handling nosy questions + setting boundaries with others 32:30 Protecting your emotional health and mental peace online 38:00 Closing thoughts: control what you can control South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG

2/9/2026
LEXINGTON, S.C. – Eight Lexington County Magistrates and their Chief Court Administrator were honored on Monday, Feb. 9, with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award for their exceptional support of a fellow judge serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCNG). The ceremony will took place at the Lexington County Magistrate Court.

2/8/2026
In this episode of Family Guidons, hosts Michelle Matheny, Charlotte Stillwell, and Kathy Bridgers dive into the theme of navigating the new year as a military spouse. With personal experiences and insights, they offer encouragement and support for those starting the year solo due to deployments or state activations. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and strengths of military life, fostering a sense of community among listeners. Additionally, the hosts share stories submitted by their audience, creating a deeper connection and understanding of the military experience. Join them for an honest discussion filled with camaraderie and inspiration as they remind you that you've got this! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:57 - Listener Stories: Courtney P. 00:04:13 - Listener Stories: Jody H. 00:08:02 - Origin of the Podcast 00:11:04 - Christmas Reflections 00:19:10 - January Reset: New Year, New Challenges 00:25:15 - Personal Goals and Resets for January 00:30:15 - Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com Defining Daily Victories During a Military Deployment: Navigating the Holidays - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6GukafBcg Handling Travel During Deployment of Your Service Member - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62jataTay1g South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG

2/2/2026
BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, S.C. - U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 122nd Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, arrived at the Batesburg-Leesville Readiness Center in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Jan. 23, 2026, preparing to support state and local authorities in response to Winter Storm Fern.

1/31/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, and Vehicle Recovery Team are ready to help partner agencies during Winter Storm Gianna in Clinton, South Carolina, on January 31, 2026. Their team, comprised of Pvt. 1st Class Cody Acker, Spc. Jeidy Rodriguez, Spc. Molly Mendez, and Sgt. Douglas Wood is one of 14 across the state working to keep South Carolinians safe and mobile as winter weather affects the area. The South Carolina Military Department remains dedicated to supporting partner agencies and local communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Karla N. Evans)

1/30/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina National Guard, conduct preventative checks and inspections on military vehicles, personal protective equipment, and sustainment items to ensure equipment readiness throughout Winter Storm Gianna operations in Eastover, South Carolina, Jan. 30, 2026. Soldiers will stage Vehicle Recovery Teams across the state where they will assist with vehicle recovery operations in support of state agencies, ensuring the mobility and safety of South Carolinians. The South Carolina Military Department is committed to supporting our partner agencies and communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Turner Horton)

1/26/2026
Welcome to Family Guidons, the podcast created by military spouses for military families. In this inaugural episode, we invite you to get to know your hosts and discover what this podcast is all about. As military spouses, we understand the unique challenges of holding down the home front during deployments, state activations, and everything in between. Here, we aim to have honest conversations about the realities of military life—the highs, the hard moments, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Family Guidons is powered by the South Carolina National Guard and serves as a platform for connecting with military families across all branches. Our goal is to cover topics that resonate with you and provide insights from our experiences. We will also feature guests who can offer resources and support for military families. If you enjoyed today's episode and are curious about what comes next, please hit that follow button on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for joining us on this journey with Family Guidons. From the Bluff Road Readiness Center in Columbia, South Carolina, to wherever you may be, we look forward to connecting with you. Until next time! 00:00:00 - Introduction to Family Guidons 00:00:41 - Facing a New Normal During Deployment 00:01:16 - Handling Natural Disasters Alone 00:01:42 - Pride in Service Members 00:02:08 - Challenges of Military Life 00:02:30 - Welcome and Purpose of Family Guidons 00:02:59 - Meet Your Hosts: Charlotte Stilwell 00:04:21 - Meet Your Hosts: Kathy Bridgers 00:05:06 - Meet Your Hosts: Michelle Matheny 00:06:56 - Podcast Powered by South Carolina National Guard 00:07:59 - First Official Episode Preview 00:08:12 - Outro and call to action Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com Defining Daily Victories During a Military Deployment: Navigating the Holidays - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6GukafBcg Handling Travel During Deployment of Your Service Member - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62jataTay1g South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG

1/24/2026
This is a Soldier spotlight story highlighting one of the many South Carolina National Guard Soldiers currently activated on State Active Duty in response to Winter Storm Fern.